Stone of Destiny(17)

I unwrapped my straw and plunged it into my Frappuccino. My mind was reeling with the possibilities. I couldn’t wait to get out of there, but I wasn’t sure who I should talk to. Liam? If my suspicions were true and this girl was Samantha, he might not be the best one. I still hadn’t told him he might have another daughter, one whose mother happened to be Aoife. Niamh seemed a better bet. Although I didn’t know if she’d brush this aside because of everything else going on.

“Allison.”

I started at the sound of my name. “Hmm?” I said between sips.

“I said I need to get a dress for the engagement party next weekend. Will you come?”

“Yeah, I will. But can we do it tomorrow? I have a ton of homework this weekend.”

Nicole sighed, but nodded. “How is school? You don’t say much about it.”

“It’s good, but there’s a lot of work.”I took a bite of my sandwich so I didn’t have to elaborate. The topic of homework made Nicole’s eyes glaze over. She’d gone to beauty school right after high school and had been working full-time for years.

“Okay, so I’m glad you like the invitations. Mom wasn’t sure if they were elegant enough, but I want everything to be stylish and fun, not some stuffy, traditional wedding.”

“No, they were great,” I said, plastering on my brightest smile.

The waitress came with the bill and Nicole snatched it up from me. “You’ve endured all this wedding talk, let it be my treat.”

Guilt ate at me. I’d only heard a quarter of what she said, but I couldn’t stand to take away her happiness. I nodded and, once again, pulled out my cousin-of-the-year smile.



I tried paying attention while Nicole was trying on dress after dress at the mall the next day, but my mind was on the black-haired girl at The Bean Counter. Thankfully Nic talked herself out of each one with only a few nods needed from me.

She inspected herself in the mirror, spinning for full effect. While she looked at her back, frown lines popped up between her eyebrows. “You know, I think you should try this on. It’s too long for me, but I bet the color would really bring out your eyes.”

“Me?” I said, startled. “All right, I’ll try it.” I had to get something for the engagement party anyway, I might as well go with one pre-approved by the bride-to-be.

I went into the dressing room next to hers, the ice blue dress in hand. The neckline was a little more daring than I was used to, but Nic was right, the color did bring out my eyes.

I stepped out to show her and as I scanned the dressing area I caught the faintest silver shimmer in the doorway. I blinked and the shape of a girl melted into view.

My eyes snapped open, shocked to see the girl from yesterday standing less than ten feet away. My surprise must have registered on my face because when I looked at her, her eyes widened in panic and she bolted from the dressing area.

“Wait,” I called out, but she was gone before I could make it to the doorway. I cursed under my breath at my bare feet and unpaid dress. I couldn’t chase after her like this.

“What in the world are you doing?” Nic said from behind me. I spun around, heat creeping up my neck.

“Oh, I just thought I saw a girl from school,” I said, looking down at my bare toes.

“I was right, that dress is perfect for you,” she said, changing the subject.

“Thanks,” I said, tilting my head at the shell pink chiffon dress she had on. “Wasn’t that the first dress you tried on?”

“Yes,” she said, scrunching up her face at her reflection. “And I don’t know. I think I like this one best after all.”

I couldn’t help grinning. “It’s perfect, you look amazing.”

After I changed, Nicole decided to try on one more dress, just to be sure. I pulled my phone out and stared at it. Should I call Niamh and tell her about the girl?

I decided to send her a text. That would give me an idea of her reaction without having to talk in code.

I have something to tell you.

She replied before I could even put my phone back in my pocket.

Are you still at the mall?

I told her I was and to watch for me in about half an hour.

As Nicole and I paid for our dresses, I wondered if I’d made the right decision. Maybe I shouldn’t tell Niamh yet. I just wasn’t sure.

When we got back home Nicole grabbed her bag from my trunk and said goodbye before she darted next door. On Sunday’s there was always a big dinner at the Magliaro residence. Since Nicole thought Ethan and I still weren’t speaking, she didn’t even beg me to come with her.

I climbed the steps onto my front porch feeling a little paranoid. What if Samantha was somewhere out there watching me right now?